Another Newbie question?

[newbie2bass]

Like you guys need ONE more misinformed wannabe bass player out here! LOL.. Ok, here it is:

I'm NOT completely new to bass, albeit mostly electric. I am fairly new to DB. I play strictly bluegrass, and slap quite a bit. I'm not in the loop as far as strings, tension, materials, ie: gut, etc. What are some recommendations as far as this are is concerned? I tried the Supernils, but they TORE MY FINGERS TO SHREDS! They're outta here! LOL. I did try some wound gut strings on a friends bass, and the tension felt great, and they slapped nicely, but I didn't get the brand/model, and he's moved to another state now..thankx in advance for the info.

[JimmyM]

As far as I know, the only two flatwound gut strings are made by Pirastro...Eudoxas which are on the brighter side tonewise), and Olivs (which sound darker). I used to use Eudoxas and dug them a lot, but but Eudoxas and Olivs are very delicate and don't hold up to slapping very well, plus they cost a fortune (over $350 a set). All the other wound guts I know of are roundwounds, so you might as well use the Nils.

[Francois Blais]

I think the most affordable guts are at Upton Bass.
You can also browse the classifieds here.
There's a string sale post on a regular basis there!